Duke Nukem Forever references

Duke Nukem Forever: retro references

Duke Nukem Forever: retro references

Though Duke Nukem Forever (2011) has received some mixed reviews, I actually liked the game... a lot (despite the annoying loading times - the biggest flaw of the game). I think the best about the game is how it doesn't take itself seriously (Duke even makes fun of the the fact it took so long to finish the game), but even more did I like the references to the former game (Duke Nukem 3D, 1996) and to other video games and cultural elements in general. There are lot of references in the game, much more than I can mention here, but I'll point out some of the most obvious.

Of course, the boss in the football arena, some kind of huge monster, is the most obvious reference to the original Duke Nukem 3D, in which he could also be found as boss of the third chapter. Despite Duke has to use his fists in Forever, the monster is a lot easier to beat than the one in Duke Nukem 3D...

Duke Nukem 3D / Forever Football Arena Boss

Another smart reference in Duke Nukem Forever refers to three games at the same time: in the original Duke Nukem 3D there was a hidden deceased space marine from the classic FPS Doom (1993). When Duke found it, he'd proclaim: "Hmm, that's one 'Doomed' Space Marine!". In Duke Nukem Forever you can find (a secret) "One Dead Space Marine" from the game Dead Space (2008)! Nice how this refers to the original game, as well as to Doom and Dead Space all together.

Doomed Space Marine (Duke 3D) / Dead Space Marine! (Duke Forever)

Another game the Duke likes to make fun of is Halo (2001). When he finds Halo Power Armor he doesn't want it and remarks: "Power Armor is For P**sies!!!"

Duke Nukem: "Power Armor is For P**sies!!!"

Besides references to Duke Nukem 3D and other video games, Duke Nukem Forever also refers to other cultural phenomenons, such as movies. The most striking is the reference to the movie "Team America: World Police" by the creators of South Park. In that movie there's an over-the-top team song with as chorus "America - F**k yeah!". When Duke's commanding General says: "America is counting on you", Duke replies (with the same rhythm as the movie song): "America - F**k yeah!".

Duke Nukem Forever honours Team America: World Police movie song

Furthermore, when you play Duke Nukem Forever don't forget to look at all the posters on the walls. Most are pretty funny - they show Duke Nukem as movie star, award-winnig musical star and so on. However, many posters (especially at the beginning of the game) also have pictures of the original Duke Nukem platformgame (1991 for DOS).

Watch for original 1991s Duke Nukem-posters in Duke Nukem Forever

So, whenever you liked Duke Nukem Forever or not, the game pays a nice homage to video games of the past.

Comments

I totally agree Benjanmine! this applies to wondering how this is still on the first couple pages and that tjnaples should GTFO.

tjnaples, you clearly miss the point on how articles are done around here. GTFO

@tjnaples Who are to criticize out opinions? It is right to have their own opinion. If the majority of people think that this article is crap (which it is) then so be it. You didn't even write this article. I have had an article or 2 get bashed pretty good but it brought out the better writer in me and I my last article is currently scored at 28 and I am happy with it. I have played the Duke Nukem game. Given the fact of how long it took to finaly hit shelves (12 years) it is considerably dissappointing but me being the Duke fan that I am played it anyway and its not the worst game I have ever played but nowhere near the best but it is better than this article.

Written poorly? Clearly your seeing something I am not. Too short? I couldn't imagine the article being longer. It's when articles run out of content but then are made longer just to be longer I get driven nuts. I'm gonna start thumbing down the novels you all write not on content but rather just because they are too long. Fair? No, but -2 is not fair for this article, and it is in the title to expect references. He doesn't review the new game in-depth but rather gives a thumbs up or down briefly setting up the article content. Good grief. Duke today does several "back in the day" references and you all have flame throwed this? F- for this community not being able to think outside the box.

it's not the best game but it's not the worst either..I for one really enjoyed it, and LOL'd loud at all the nods and pop culture references it was parodying. I didn't expect the next-gen gamers to love it, and they sure as hell didn't, but there is always a loyal fan service for duke and I'm one of the many fans that appreciates this game for what it is..a ride back in time. That being said, I do hate the 2-weapon cache limit..DN3D never had this, it had all the weapons, and you could carry all 9 of them at once..and also, no jetpacks! wtf?!

@benjanime- I am wondering the same thing...

Since this is a retro site, the article would have been better served if it had focused on the classic Duke Nukem games. As it is, this is not a retro article, so it deserves the horrible fate that awaits it on the back page.

I enjoyed this article despite it being too short. I definetly would have enjoyed even just a few more references but it's cool. Thumbs up from me anyways.

what i want to know is how this got back on the front page when it's been written poorly

Granted 2011 is not retro. However you used it as a tool to reference retro things. I say it is good to go. Video games are now retro in the 1990's and I appreciate the effort. Not too long, not too short, thanks for the great memories! Thumbs up.

and for god sakes people, proofread

this was a decent five minute read. i guess. a regular article on here though would have much more length. and more paragraphs. and not any pictures meshed together, but rather put one at a time for each couple of paragraphs made

That IQ would also put you in the range of not liking this game...Power armor is for pussies eh..then why do you have regenerating health..a turd by any other name still smells as foul.

If you post something on here, you ask for the opinion. Anyone with an IQ of 30 would understand that.

not retro more of a video game review that needs to be on a video game website. Besides I hear that the new game sucks.

Nobody asked you. Duke Nukem is awesome.

Not really a retro topic if you ask me.